The Akron Zips earned their trip to the 2011 NCAA Tournament by beating Kent St. in the MAC Tournament Championship Game on Saturday Night. On Sunday, the Zips found out when and where they'll play, including who they'll face in their first round matchup.
Entering the tournament as a 15-seed, the Zips will face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Chicago on Firday, March 18. The Irish were thought to be a 1-seed until an early loss in the Big East Tournament. A 15-seed shows a complete lack of respect for the Zips, however, so it will be interesting if they can make some noise.
The rest of the Southwest Bracket looks like this:
Tulsa
Friday, March 18
(1)Kansas vs. (16)Boston University
(8)UNLV vs. (9)Illinois
Denver
Thursday, March 17
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)Richmond
(4)Louisville vs. (13)Morehead State
Chicago
Friday, March 18
(6)Georgetown vs. (11)USC/VCU winner
(3)Purdue vs. (14)Saint Peter's
Chicago
Friday, March 18
(7)Texas A&M vs. (10)Florida State
(2)Notre Dame vs. (15)Akron
The Big Ten has two teams in the Southwest region, with (3)Purude to face (14) St. Peter's while (9)Illinois set to face (8)UNLV